He suits ...they score Declan ensures all-conquering Dubs are dressed to impress
Dublin’s Brian Fenton was mind-blowing. We’re happy to do custom-made suits.” He maintains the Dubs train smarter than other teams and their precise preparation extends to looking the part too. Declan added: “They have financial clout and population but that doesn’t stick the ball over the bar in my opinion. “Their culture is about doing the right things no matter where they are. They carry themselves immaculately.” Ciaran Kilkenny was his first client with the champions. Since then he has dressed Bernard Brogan, Ciaran Whelan, James Mccarthy, Brian Fenton, Senan Connell, Paul Mannion, Diarmuid Connolly, Jack Mccaffrey, Dean Rock and Cian O’sullivan. Declan said: “The initial introduction to Dublin GAA senior players was through Ciaran Kilkenny who was a Bernard Brogan, James Mccarthy and Philly Mcmahon Declan with Dubs players Jack Mccaffrey, left, and Ciaran Kilkenny
clubmate in Castleknock. Ciaran burst on to the scene and we knew he was a big football prospect.
“He was going to his debs and I dressed him in a suit. When he started going to the All-stars, I got him a tuxedo. It snowballed from there.
“Philly Mcmahon recently wore a suit of ours on The Late Late Show and we got great feedback.”
The dad of two’s main motivation is to provide for his wife Aine and their young daughters.
He said: “It can be tough and challenging but I always want to deliver for our customers and provide for my family.”
The Blanchardstown man believes high-quality suits never go out of fashion and slim fit in particular has exploded.
Declan added: “When I started my suit shop Collar And Cuff in 2013, people were looking for black and grey. There was a huge shift to navy. Slim fit for an
athletic build and the Peaky Blinders look then really took off.
“Celebrities and social media have a big influence on what people are looking for.” Declan said his move into the industry began when he lived Down Under.
He was asked to apply for a job with Cambridge Clothing Co, who are a popular brand in Australia and New Zealand, and was soon an area sales manager.
Declan said: “I was the wholesale manager for the entire eastern seaboard of Australia. I travelled a huge amount.
“People in Australia have more disposable income and spend it. Guys would spend $800 on a three-piece suit and not bat an eyelid.
“It taught me a lot about the men’s formal apparel industry in a short period of time.”
Philly wore one of our suits on The Late Late Show DECLAN MAHON YESTERDAY
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